John Wall Sends Encouraging Message to Wizards Fans After Difficult Season

Former Wizards star expects team's upcoming lottery pick to help them become playoff contenders next season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the Wizards' recent seasons and their hopes for a brighter future with a high draft pick.A cubist interpretation of the Wizards' struggles and hopes for a turnaround with a high draft pick.Washington Today

Former Washington Wizards star John Wall offered an encouraging message to the team's fans after a difficult 2025-26 season that saw the Wizards finish 15th in the Eastern Conference. Wall expressed optimism about the team's upcoming lottery pick, which is projected to be in the top 5, and believes it will help the Wizards get back into playoff contention next season.

Why it matters

The Wizards have struggled in recent seasons, finishing 14th in 2023-24 and 15th in 2025-26 despite making several big moves to try and become a playoff contender. Wall's message provides hope to Wizards fans that the team is on the right track and can turn things around with the help of a high draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, which is considered one of the deepest in league history.

The details

The Wizards endured an extremely difficult 2025-26 campaign, finishing 15th in the Eastern Conference despite bringing in stars like Trae Young and Anthony Davis before the trade deadline. Injuries plagued the team, leading to their second straight season outside the playoff picture. However, former Wizards star John Wall is optimistic about the team's future, especially with the Wizards locked into a top 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wall believes the team's upcoming lottery pick can help them get back into playoff contention next season.

  • The Wizards finished 14th in the Eastern Conference in the 2023-24 season.
  • The Wizards finished 15th in the Eastern Conference in the 2025-26 season.
  • The Wizards have a 14% chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The players

John Wall

A former star player for the Washington Wizards who is now offering an encouraging message to the team's fans after their difficult 2025-26 season.

Trae Young

An NBA star who was brought in by the Wizards before the 2025-26 trade deadline to help the team become a playoff contender.

Anthony Davis

An NBA star who was also brought in by the Wizards before the 2025-26 trade deadline to help the team become a playoff contender.

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What they’re saying

“My people in DC will be very excited, we have locked in a top five pick this year. Hopefully we can get the person to help us get back in that playoff push.”

— John Wall, Former Wizards Star

What’s next

The Wizards will look to use their upcoming lottery pick, which is projected to be in the top 5, to help them return to playoff contention next season.

The takeaway

John Wall's encouraging message to Wizards fans provides hope that the team can turn things around after a difficult 2025-26 season. With a high draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, the Wizards have an opportunity to add a talented player who can help them become a legitimate playoff contender once again.